. >> reporter: but yesterday, republican house speaker john boehner told diane sawyer that was a nonstarter. >> is it on the table to talk about? >> i made clear -- >> the wealthier americans pitch in. >> yesterday that raising tax rates is unacceptable. and frankly, it couldn't even pass the house. >> reporter: still, today, the president said the debate had been settled, with his victory tuesday night. >> this was a central question during the election. it was debated over and over again. and on tuesday night, we found out that the majority of americans agree with my approach. >> reporter: and he threw down the gauntlet, saying everyone agrees on keeping the middle class tax cuts for those who make under $200,000 a year. so, he said, congress should act on that now. >> and i've got the pen ready to sign the bill right away. i'm ready to do it. i'm ready to do it. >> reporter: and diane, president obama heads to asia next week. but before he leaves, he is calling for a meeting here at the white house of the top house and senate democrat and republican leaders to at least begin to try to fi